My 10 favorite books read in 2023.

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making by Tony Fadell
Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline
The Power Law by Sebastian Mallaby
The Metaverse by Matthew Ball
Press Reset by Jason Schreier
Dawn of the New Everything by Jaron Lanier
George Lucas by Brian Jay Jones
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Chip War by Chris Miller

Creativity, Inc.

I read this book first in 2014 when it came out, and every time I've reread it since, it seems to get better. It connects more deeply with me now, considering my experiences since the first time I read it.

Short description:

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" is a book written by Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios and president of Pixar and Disney Animation. The book provides insights into the creative processes and culture that have contributed to the success of Pixar.

Key points from "Creativity, Inc.":

Leadership Philosophy: Catmull discusses his leadership philosophy and how fostering a culture of creativity and open communication is crucial for innovation.
Team Dynamics: The book explores the importance of assembling diverse, talented teams and creating an environment where team members feel empowered to contribute their ideas without fear of criticism.
Failure and Learning: Catmull emphasizes the inevitability of failure in the creative process and advocates for viewing failures as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Building a Creative Culture: The author shares anecdotes and experiences from Pixar's history, illustrating how the company built and maintained a creative culture that values collaboration and risk-taking.
Overcoming Challenges: "Creativity, Inc." delves into the challenges faced by Pixar, such as the acquisition by Disney, and how the company navigated these challenges while preserving its creative spirit.
Managing Talent: Catmull discusses the importance of managing creative talent effectively and encouraging an atmosphere where employees can thrive and contribute their best work.

The book offers valuable insights not only for those in creative industries but also for anyone interested in understanding how to nurture and sustain a culture of innovation within an organization. "Creativity, Inc." has been praised for its practical advice, engaging storytelling, and the lessons it imparts on unleashing creativity in the face of unseen challenges.

“You are not your idea, and if you identify too closely with your ideas, you will take offense when they are challenged.”― Ed Catmull

“When it comes to creative inspiration, job titles and hierarchy are meaningless.”― Ed Catmull

Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making

"Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making" by Tony Fadell is a transformative exploration of the creative process and product development. Fadell, a renowned entrepreneur and inventor, draws upon his vast experience, including his pivotal role in developing the iPod and Nest thermostat, to provide a unique perspective on innovation. Fadell emphasizes the importance of intentional and purpose-driven design, urging creators to focus on solving real-world problems and understanding the fundamental needs of their users. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, practical insights, and unconventional wisdom, the book offers a roadmap for building products that go beyond mere functionality, aiming to create meaningful and impactful experiences for users. Fadell's unorthodox approach challenges conventional thinking and inspires a holistic mindset towards the art of making things that truly matter in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and design.

“Traditional schooling trains people to think incorrectly about failure. You’re taught a subject, you take a test, and if you fail, that’s it. You’re done. But once you’re out of school, there is no book, no test, no grade. And if you fail, you learn. In fact, in most cases, it’s the only way to learn—especially if you’re creating something the world has never seen before.”― Tony Fadell